January 3, 2005 Toronto, ON - Prime Minister Paul Martin held an important meeting today with leaders of the South Asian community in the Greater Toronto Area and discussed Canada’s humanitarian aid efforts to the victims of tsunami in South Asia.  Mr. Jim Karygiannis, P.C., M.P., Scarborough-Agincourt, assisted in the organization of these critical discussions. Community representatives were of the view that the Government of Canada’s response to this disaster is appropriate with the needs as they are unfolding.
 
They told the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers and Members of Parliament from the GTA that one of their main concerns is that Canadian aid must be equitably distributed among all those affected by last week’s devastation.  The Prime Minister vowed that the government is, “not going to allow Canadian aid to be frustrated.”  He urged community members for their help in this regard.  He asked them to tell him, through their Members of Parliament, if they found this not to be the case. 
 
Speakers also pointed out their concerns that various community organizations that are raising funds do not have charitable tax status.  The Prime Minister said the government is prepared to look at this issue, on a case-by-case basis.  
 
The group was advised by the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration that special consideration will be given to expedite existing immediate family class sponsorships in order that families can be united in Canada.
 
The Prime Minister said Canada would continue to respond to the needs of the people of the region for the long term.  He praised the work of the Ministers responsible for CIDA, Foreign Affairs and Citizenship and Immigration, Mr. Karygiannis and others for continuing to engage community members in Canada’s relief efforts.     
 
Mr. Karygiannis said today’s meeting was very significant as representatives from many faiths and views sat down together to talk about what is needed.  “We must do whatever we can, within our means, to assist the people of South Asia to rebuild their lives,” he said. Mr. Karygiannis represents one of the most ethnically diverse ridings in Canada.  He is encouraging people to bring their concerns to their Members of Parliament and work with them to provide much needed assistance. The meeting concluded with a minute of silence in memory of those who have lost their lives in the December 26th tsunami in South Asia.

Hon. Jim Karygiannis M.P.
Scarborough-Agincourt
Constituency Office
3850 Finch Ave East Suite 206
Scarborough Ontario
M1T 3T6
(416) 321 5454
(416) 321 5456
jim@karygiannismp.com
www.karygiannismp.com